Obituaries

Harry K. Monahas, 80

May 13, 2023

Harry K. Monahas, 80, of Lancaster, passed away after a short illness on May 13, 2023 surrounded by his family.

He was the husband of Koula (Samaras) Monahas, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage this past March 8th. Born in Kos, Greece, he was the son of the late Kimon and Kidonia (Parveris) Monahas.

Harry was a self-educated, talented, dedicated, and well-known tailor for over 60 years, owning Fine Tailoring By Harry Monahas on West Chestnut St in Lancaster for 42 years. He learned English watching TV and reading sports sections of newspapers.

Harry greatest treasure was his family, with whom he loved to spend time. His second greatest love was soccer, which he played, coached, and helped form the Lancaster Spartans team. The team evolved from amateur status to professional where the team won a trip to Greece to play local teams in Athens, sponsored by the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture and Sports. He had a keen interest in astronomy and science of the known and unknown universe.

A member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and Pan-Coan Society of Lancaster, Harry also served on church council and a member of AHEPA. He also served in the Hellenic (Greek) Army.

In addition to his wife, Koula, Harry is survived by his sons: George married to Jody, and Michael, both of Landisville, and Stephen of Lancaster; his beloved grandson, Paul, and by his siblings: Christina, Koula, Eleftheria, Litsa, and Desi. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mitso and Maria.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603 from 6-8PM, and again on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 9:30-10:30AM, with the Funeral Service to follow at 10:30AM. Interment will be in Lancaster Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Harry’s memory to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, or the Philoptochos Society both at the same address above, or to Amedisys Hospice, 1410 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.

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Condolences to the Family

November 17, 2023

I was driving by Harry’s shop today and saw a gentleman reading something on the door with Harry’s photo on it. I knew immediately he had passed away. I hadn’t been in to the shop in quite some time and feel regretful there will be no more opportunities to talk with him about politics, travel, soccer, addiction, family, Lancaster City and so, so many other topics. A simple stop could easily turn into an hour of delightful conversation. I’ll miss his laugh, his heart and his humor. To his family…may you have an abundant life. Condolences.
Jack Yohn

October 08, 2023

Harry was not only the best tailor but such an awesome conversationalist. We had my son’s suits altered by Harry and he made the whole experience unforgettable. He will be missed. 
Barb Navin

June 16, 2023

I am so sorry to hear about Harry’s passing. I saw the sign on his ship’s door. Harry was my tailor for many years. I always planned to spend extra time with him whenever I was in his shop. He always offered his unsolicited wisdom. I’ll miss him.
Pete Ross 

May 23, 2023

How we will miss Harry!  We were customers for many, many years, and always looked forward to our visits with him.  It was such a privilege to hear about the family, about his trip back to Kos a few years ago, and to talk about our wonderful city.  I always shared with him that we were praying for him during difficult times, and we are so thankful to have known him.  We are so very sorry for your loss, and will continue to keep all of you in our prayers.
Ivan and Kim Wittel

May 22, 2023

When I was a kid, my dad would  sometimes take me to go to see “Bobby” at his tailoring shop. He was my dad’s soccer coach a long time ago. I LOVED our trips to “Fine Tailoring by Harry”, and will always remember our time at the shop together. It takes a very good person for a small child to remember you 15-20 years later, even though they only saw you on occasion, but he was that kind of person. He would always get SO excited to see us, and make sure we all got caught up on what was happening in each other’s lives.  I am truly sorry for your loss and I know he will be missed by many. 
Cecelia Hostetter

May 20, 2023

Harry, you were not only my tailor but a dear friend. I enjoyed all of our conversations so much and thank you for sharing your wonderful stories. I will miss you so much. We all will. I will visit Kos in the near future in honor of your life.  Alaia

May 20, 2023

Dear Monahas Family,
I was a customer of Harry’s and often met him during walks to the post office.  We had many heartfelt chats either on the street or in the shop.  I admired his life story, his desire to keep working and his devotion to family especially when difficult circumstances arose.  I will miss him.  May he rest in peace.
Wayne Parsil

May 18, 2023

Condolences to his family and all who loved him; a talented, trusted tailor and kind man. Rest his soul. 
Maxine

May 17, 2023

Koula, so sorry to hear about the passing of Harry. He was a good friend and always tried to help in many ways. May his memory be eternal!
Gust and Marcella Fotis

May 17, 2023

I will miss Harry and going to the shop. We would have many conversations about life and many laughs at the shop. I would try to teach him some Spanish. Because of him I taught my grandkids to call me papou. My condolences to the family. May you find peace in the sweet Lord. Will miss you Harry. 
Jay Ortiz 

May 16, 2023

The best man I ever had the honor of knowing. I’m going to miss you, Bobby. Love and respect, Dan B.

May 16, 2023

Our family will miss him. 

May 16, 2023

So saddened to hear of Mr. Monahas passing, such a sweet man ! Loved his work,  more that loved conversing with him over the years.
Ron Flick

May 16, 2023

My deepest condolenses to you and your family. I have many fond memories of Harry when he worked for my father Ronald Sheaffer at Devono’s . He remained in our hearts after they left the store. His greatest gift to our family was when my father needed blood donors and he had the entire soccer team donate blood in his behalf. May he rest in peace. And may your family find comfort in your memories. 
Susan Sheaffer Black

May 16, 2023

Thank you for your passion for the game. Playing for you and the Spartans with all the guys gave me many fond memories. I always appreciated our strategy talks for upcoming matches while you were working. 
Andy Wallover

May 16, 2023

Dear Koula & Family,
You have my deepest sympathies.  Harry was a very kind and fun man.  He will be missed by so many.  He truly adored his family.  May his memory be eternal.
Kathleen Thomas Tobias

May 16, 2023

Dear Monahas Family, 
You have my deepest sympathy. – Ann ( George ) Pannell

May 16, 2023

Koula,
I was saddened to learn of Harry’s passing. I just drove by his shop last week and wondered how he was doing. I have lots of memories of time visiting him in his shop.  Always a radio playing or soccer game blaring and of course him speaking Greek with everyone else. He certainly loved his family and friends!  I wish you peace and God’s blessing!   Rebecca Hennessy

May 16, 2023

Memory eternal. Mary and I will miss him.
Nick Mandalakas

May 16, 2023

Mr Monahas will be truly missed.   He was a good man and if you knew him, it made you a better person.  Rest in Peace and thank you for being who you were. 
Carl Mummert

May 16, 2023

Dear Koula and family: We were saddened to hear of Harry’s passing. Harry, like his father, was a skilled tailor and a gentleman. You have our deepest sympathy.  George & Judy George 

Visitation
Thursday, May 18, 2023
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
64 Hershey Ave.,
Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions

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Visitation
Friday, May 19, 2023
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
64 Hershey Ave.,
Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Services
Friday, May 19, 2023
10:30 AM
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
64 Hershey Ave.,
Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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